OPTEX AX-100TFR / AX-200TFR — Battery-Operated Photoelectric Detector FAQs

Overview

This is a technical FAQ covering the OPTEX AX-100TFR and AX-200TFR — battery-operated, wireless photoelectric beam detectors (30m and 60m range respectively). It covers battery specs, performance, mounting, outputs, and durability.

Power Consumption & Battery

• Energy consumption: AX-TFR models use ~1/60th the power of OPTEX's conventional wired photobeam detectors — AX-100TFR draws 0.62mA and AX-200TFR draws 0.81mA, vs. 44mA/48mA for the wired AX-100TF/AX-200TF.
• Power range: Designed to run on 2.5–4.3 VDC.
• Required battery: SAFT LSH20 (3.6VDC) — NOT ordinary CR123A (3.0VDC). LSH20 has enough capacity to run the unit for years; it would take 32 CR123A cells to match four LSH20 cells. LSH20 is rated -60°C to 85°C, withstands up to 120°C, and has a 10-year shelf life.
• Using other batteries: Can cause shorter/unstable operation, permanent damage to the unit, or even fire/toxic gas emissions. Use LSH20 only.
• Battery life: At least 3 years under normal conditions (20–25°C). AX-100TFR (30m): ~5 years. AX-200TFR (60m): TX ~3 years, RX ~5 years. Colder climates shorten battery life; alarm frequency does not affect it (TX/RX don't share power with wireless transmitters).
• Batteries inserted upside down: The battery box won't turn on — the unit simply won't operate, no damage occurs.
• Low battery threshold: Low Battery Indicator/Output triggers at 3.0VDC. When replacing batteries, remove all old batteries first — otherwise the low-battery LED won't reset and will keep flickering.
• Checking low battery status: (1) The Low Battery LED blinks while the front cover is open (it's off when closed, to save power). (2) Connect the Low Battery Output to a wireless transmitter (with 2+ inputs, or a dedicated second transmitter if it only has one input) so the control panel can monitor status.
• Can't share batteries with wireless transmitters: AX-TFR voltage thresholds don't align with typical wireless transmitter thresholds (transmitters: 3.0–3.6V operating / 2.3–2.7V low / 2.0V cutoff vs. AX-TFR: 3.6V operating / 3.0V low / 2.5V cutoff) — sharing power risks the AX-TFR shutting down before the transmitter reports low battery.

Performance

• 99% beam-blocking stability tolerance — AX-TFRs withstand 99% attenuated photobeams without malfunctioning.
• High-quality aspherical lenses (vs. conventional spherical lenses) sharpen beam focus, improving accuracy while minimizing power use.
• Features: 4 selectable beam frequencies, D.Q. circuit (environmental disqualification), N.C./N.O. output selection switch, A.G.C. circuit, IP55 rating, beam interruption adjustment, easy angle adjustment.

Installation & Layout

• Combining with wired models: Not recommended — do not install AX-TFRs alongside any wired photoelectric detector in the same line of sight; stray beams from wired units can cause false alarms.
• Linear protection: AX-100TFR/AX-200TFR can protect long distances with no fixed limit — just choose channel settings so adjacent beam channels don't interfere.
• Stacking: Double-stacked protection is supported. Between two separate zones using the same beam channel, receivers must be spaced at least 10x the rated range apart (1000ft/300m for AX-100TFR, 2000ft/600m for AX-200TFR) unless beams are aimed in non-overlapping directions.
• Mounting options: Wall mount, pole mount (single or two detectors back-to-back on the same pole), or tower in-mount (requires the optional MP-4 kit, which includes tamper bushings for LED termination).
• MP-4 notes: Remove the tamper bushing before using the function switch (switch selection isn't recognized with the bushing inserted). After settings are complete, reinsert the bushing and confirm all LEDs are off. Monitor Jack Output and beam-alignment reception indicators are disabled while the bushing is inserted — complete alignment tuning before inserting it.

Back Box Features

• Spacious & universal design: Accommodates two wireless transmitters; battery holder prevents damage if batteries are inserted upside down; double-sided tape included to secure transmitters.
• Pre-wired color cables: Matching wiring patterns labeled on the side of the box for easier installation.
• Triple tamper alarm: Front cover removal, back box removal, and wall/mounting-plate removal each trigger a tamper signal (back box and wall tampers share the same output connection).

IP Rating

AX-TFRs are rated IP55 per IEC60529 — dust-protected (dust ingress won't interfere with operation or safety) and protected against water jets from any direction.

Outputs & Switch Settings

Four output types are available, each selectable as N.C. or N.O.: Alarm (Form C), Tamper (Form C), Low Battery, and D.Q.

• D.Q. output: Sends a trouble signal when beam strength drops below acceptable levels for more than 20 seconds (e.g. due to rain, snow, or heavy fog). Returns to OFF once reception is regained for 2+ seconds.
• Intermittent output function: Forces outputs to repeat/reset while beam interruption continues — useful for wireless transmitters without supervised relay monitoring, so a system armed during a beam interruption still gets repeated alarm signals. Note: enabling this applies intermittent behavior to alarm, tamper, low battery, and D.Q. outputs simultaneously, and must be set identically on both TX and RX.
• Battery saving timer: Enforces a 2-minute gap between alarm outputs, useful in high-traffic areas to preserve wireless transmitter battery life. Must be set identically on both TX and RX.

Durability

• Lightning: Not a risk — AX-TFRs require no external wiring, so electrical surges/noise can't be induced into the unit.
• Vandalism: High-grade polycarbonate shells withstand hammer strikes; triple tamper detection monitors wall attachment and front cover removal.

Note

This FAQ is intended to aid understanding of AX-TFR features and specs — refer to the full Installation Instruction manual included with the product for detailed procedures and setting configurations. Manuals, catalogs, product images, and DXF files are available at optex.co.jp.

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